Classic Kerala - 9 Days

Once you arrive Kochi you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.

Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town including the beautiful Parsi Synagogue built in 1568, the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1555 and St Francis’ Church. A walking tour of Fort Cochin takes you through streets still graced with traces of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture. Afternoon/evening free.

Kochi - Periyar. A drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumli, close to the sanctuary and where you’ll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you. Enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants.

Periyar - Munnar. A drive east to Munnar - a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations, that exudes a rare old-world charm and reminds one of the days of the Raj in its elegant splendor. At a height of 1525 meters, Munnar offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Enjoy an included visit to the lush nearby tea estates.

Munnar - Allepey. Departing Munnar we drive to Alleppey where we board a simply furnished private rice-boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Alleppey. A distance of some 20 kms will be covered, during which time the boat will glide past colourful local villages. As for dining, the on-board cook will prepare meals using fresh local produce.

Disembarking at Kumarakom. Perched sleepily on the eastern banks of the mighty Lake Vembanad in the heartland of Kerala’s famed backwaters, Kumarakom has changed little since the Middle Ages but for it’s string of exotic resorts, making it the perfect point to explore the backwaters. Although right in the thick of a tangle of lush tropical waterways, Kumarakom is technically an island on Lake Vembanad. This is an ideal place to chill-out for a few days. There is also a wonderful bird sanctuary, winter home to many migratory birds which is worth a visit.

Kumarakom - Kochi. Today marks the end of our arrangements, consider extending your stay in Kochi or elsewhere in Kerala. Alternatively, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.